Hi Anthony-You asked about the best ways to find off-market deals for your in-laws to buy and move into and you are focussed on the Santa Barbara, CA area which I have been to and it is gorgeous.It kind of reminds me of an Ann Arbor on the ocean. :)Anyway, I like your strategy of driving and looking for houses in need of repair and sending handwritten letters and contacting rentals for the reasons you gave.

Fortunately, he moved to FL after the sale, bought a mansion as his retirement home, and saved by the state's homestead laws.

You're searching in the right area, here in the southern/middle part the laws are much friendly as well as the prices.

Check your local/state law.

Henry,Good to know the technology and law-enforcement is working for you while you’re you’re out of the country.

Where'd you get your law degree?

Keep in mind magistrates deal with MANY MANY cases involving small issues so their rulings OFTEN may not follow the correct technical application of the law.

It's in great school districts, so I just listed those in the ad in a neutral, factual manner, which I believe won't violate fair housing laws as long as I avoid implying a preference. 

I will provide some thoughts on the San Diego purchase- virtually all high LTV mls purchases since rates started to hike have negative cash flow at purchase- historically great appreciation- historically great rent growth but recently flattening- prop 13 is great benefit for long holds- laws keep getting less LL friendly.

Quote from @Joseph Gozlan: No, California laws kill California malls...Here in the Dallas metro, retail is thriving!